Rwanda

Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is a small and remarkable country nestled between Tanzania, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. While the 1994 genocide marks a dark point in its history, Rwanda has emerged as a model of stability in Africa, with strong anti-corruption measures and an ongoing commitment to national reconciliation.

Rwanda is one of Africa’s most densely populated nations, which has created an impetus to transform its economy through various initiatives, with tourism playing a pivotal role. The mountain gorilla, once critically endangered, has become both a conservation success story and the country’s premier attraction, with populations steadily increasing under careful protection.

The magnificent Volcanoes National Park, home to these magnificent giants, offers some of Africa’s most exclusive and luxurious artistically designed accommodations amid dramatic volcanic landscapes. After the unforgettable experience of tracking gorillas through misty bamboo forests, primate trackers can retreat one of these world-class eco-lodges.

Beyond gorillas, Rwanda’s other natural treasures include Nyungwe National Park, where a spectacular canopy walkway provides access to pristine rainforest teeming with primates, including chimpanzees and various other primate species, and the recently revitalized Akagera National Park.

A safari to Rwanda is often combined with a stay in Kenya or Tanzania. There are direct flights between these two countries, and both offer a wide variety of places to explore that contrast superbly with Rwanda’s lush green cultivated hills.